Bradley
Hodges Vadas
2/28/1964 – 9/11/2001
Beloved fiancé of Kris McFerren. Son of Donald Vadas and Connie Taylor. Brother of Melissa Prevey and Christopher (Denise) Vadas; uncle to their children. Friend to many in Westport, Weston, New York City, and more.
Missed terribly by all.
***********
Hi Brad –
You don’t know me, but thanks to the Internet, I know more about you than this simple obituary, above. I hope to honor the memory of you through these few words on my blog.
While reading about you, I found that the words of your wide circle of friends put your life into perspective the best. It was obvious you are a beloved friend.
I laughed to read of your nickname, The Squirrel, bestowed upon you sophomore year in high school. A tribute (?) given to you by a senior on the varsity team, based on the way you would scamper after the ball on the field. It was a nickname that stuck, too, but always used with affection. Your love of baseball comes through in so many of your friends’ memories of you — weekend games at Compo Beach, reunion games. A valued team member and a valued friend.
Frequently mentioned is your smile, so warm in the photos I have seen, the warmth reflected in your voice. I imagine there is a great sense of humor that goes along with that smile. I wonder if that’s what first drew Kris to you. You two had a strong commitment to each other, a long relationship that was to be celebrated in a springtime wedding.
Your commitment to your family is strong as well. Your calls to your father on that day, and to Kris, show the depth of your love. In your message to Kris, you said, “Take care of my dad; the two of you, love each other.” A simple, heart-felt wish. My guess is that this wish is granted, tenfold, in your honor.
Brad, you are a remarkable young man, personally and professionally. A successful trader, you attained the position of Senior Vice President at Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods. The lessons you learned at Boston College, and in your life, served to make you a successful executive, and savvy negotiator. Even your landlord was impressed with your negotiating skills!
Nevertheless, most remarkable is your legacy of love, laughter, and teamwork. Your friends, family, and Kris continue to write to you, write about you on your memorial sites. Five years later, your death is still deeply felt. You are remembered with love, through tears and smiles. Even with an occasional acorn on your grave marker.
It has been an honor to read about your life. May your memory always be for a blessing. Walk with the angels.
Your admirer from a far,
Carol Anne
Photos from www.legacy.com and www.cnn.com